ImmigrationItaly remains one of the most welcoming European countries for Nigerians seeking to reunite with their families abroad. With thousands of Nigerians living legally in cities such as Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Florence, and Naples, the Italy Family Reunion Visa also called Ricongiungimento Familiare—has become an essential pathway for spouses, children, and dependent family members who want to join their loved ones in Italy.
However, the process can be complex, especially for first-time applicants. Many Nigerians struggle with incomplete documentation, lack of clarity about income requirements, incorrect application steps, or misunderstanding the difference between the Nulla Osta (authorisation to join family) and the National D Visa.
This article provides a comprehensive, simplified, and guide on how Nigerians can apply for the Italy family reunion visa—covering requirements, eligibility, documentation, timelines, fees, official procedures, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is the Italy Family Reunion Visa?
The Italy Family Reunion Visa (Visto per Ricongiungimento Familiare) is a long-stay national visa (Type D Visa) that allows eligible Nigerians to join their legally residing family member (the sponsor) in Italy.
After entry, successful applicants can apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit) which allows them to live, study, and in most cases, work in Italy.
This visa is NOT a tourist or Schengen short-stay visa—it is a pathway to long-term residence and legal family integration.
Who Can Apply for Italy Family Reunification?
To qualify, the sponsor must be:
- An Italian citizen or
- A foreign resident with a valid long-term permit (e.g., Lavoro Subordinato, EU Blue Card, Student Permit renewal, Asylum status)
Eligible family members include:
✔ Legal spouse
✔ Children under 18
✔ Adult dependent children (medical or disability conditions)
✔ Parents over 65 (with special conditions)
✔ Parents under 65 (in exceptional cases)
✔ Minor siblings or relatives (only under strict dependency rules)
Italy does NOT allow extended family reunification except in rare, legally verified cases.
Requirements for Italy Family Reunion Visa Nigeria (2026)
General requirements include:
✔ Nulla Osta (official authorisation from Italy)
✔ Valid Nigerian passport
✔ Proof of family relationship
✔ Sponsor’s residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)
✔ Adequate accommodation in Italy
✔ Minimum income requirements
✔ Medical insurance (for some categories)
✔ Proof that the applicant depends on the sponsor
Meeting these requirements increases approval chances significantly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Italy Family Reunion Visa From Nigeria
Applying for this visa involves two major phases:
Phase 1: Sponsor in Italy Requests Nulla Osta
The sponsor must:
✔ Apply online via the Italy Immigration Portal
✔ Upload family documents
✔ Show proof of income
✔ Provide housing suitability certificate
✔ Wait for approval by the Prefettura
Once approved, the Nulla Osta is issued and electronically shared with the Italian Consulate.
Phase 2: Nigerian Applicant Submits Visa Application
Once Nulla Osta is ready:
✔ Fill out the Italy National Visa form
✔ Book an appointment at VFS Italy (Lagos or Abuja)
✔ Gather all documents
✔ Attend biometric capture
✔ Submit application and pay fees
✔ Wait for decision
If approved, a visa is stamped in the passport to travel to Italy.
What Is Nulla Osta and Why It’s Important
The Nulla Osta al Ricongiungimento Familiare is the most important document in the family reunion process.
It is issued by:
✔ Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Italian Immigration Office)
It confirms that:
- The sponsor meets legal requirements
- Family relationship is valid
- Accommodation and income criteria are met
- Applicant is allowed to join sponsor
Without Nulla Osta, the consulate cannot process a family reunion visa.
Italy Family Reunion Visa Documents
You need BOTH:
✔ Sponsor’s documents (Italy)
✔ Applicant’s documents (Nigeria)
A. Sponsor’s Documents (Italy)
The sponsor must provide:
- Nulla Osta (issued online)
- Copy of passport or ID
- Valid Permesso di Soggiorno
- Codice Fiscale
- Proof of accommodation (Registered rental contract, Ownership document)
- Housing idoneity certificate (Certificato di Idoneità Abitativa)
- Proof of income (CUD, payslips, employment contract, bank statements)
- Birth or marriage certificates
- Family relationship documents
B. Applicant’s Documents (Nigeria)
You must provide:
- Valid Nigerian passport
- Birth certificate or marriage certificate
- Court declarations (if necessary)
- Police clearance certificate
- Completed visa application form
- Passport photographs (Italian format)
- Copy of sponsor’s documents
- Medical insurance (if required)
- Proof of dependency (for adults)
All documents may need to be:
✔ Certified
✔ Translated into Italian
✔ Legalised (depending on Prefecture)
Minimum Income Requirement for Sponsor (Updated 2026)
Italy uses the Annual Social Allowance benchmark (Assegno Sociale) to determine financial eligibility.
Minimum requirements:
| Family Composition | Required Annual Income (€) |
| Sponsor + 1 dependent | €11,600 – €13,000 |
| Sponsor + 2 dependents | €17,000 – €18,000+ |
| Sponsor + 3 dependents | €22,000 – €24,000+ |
Income can come from:
- Employment
- Business
- Pension
- Attachments
Income must be consistent and documented.
Italy Family Reunion Visa Fees for Nigerians (2026)
Visa fees are typically:
✔ €116 – €120
Paid in naira at VFS according to exchange rate.
Additional charges:
✔ VFS service fee
✔ Document translation fees
✔ Courier fees
✔ Medical insurance (if applicable)
Processing Time for Italy Family Reunion Visa Nigeria
Processing time has two stages:
Stage 1: Nulla Osta Processing (Italy)
3–6 months
Depending on region and document completeness.
Stage 2: Visa Processing (Nigeria)
2–6 weeks
After biometrics submission.
Delays may occur due to:
- Incomplete documentation
- Seasonal demand
- Administrative checks
Common Reasons for Italy Family Reunion Visa Refusal
❌ Missing or fake documents
❌ Insufficient income by sponsor
❌ Unverified family relationship
❌ Inconsistencies in marriage or birth certificates
❌ Lack of accommodation proof
❌ Incomplete translations
❌ Errors in the application form
❌ Dependency not proven
❌ Suspicion of fraudulent documents
Avoiding these issues increases approval success.
Tips to Improve Approval Chances
✔ Provide strong, verifiable relationship evidence
✔ Ensure sponsor meets income threshold
✔ Ensure housing certificate is valid and updated
✔ Submit documents exactly as required
✔ Avoid last-minute document changes
✔ Ensure translations are done by certified professionals
✔ Follow the correct Nulla Osta procedure
✔ Double-check all names, dates, and spellings
Well-prepared applications reduce delays and complications.
Rights of Family Members After Arrival in Italy
Once you arrive and obtain a Residence Permit, you can:
✔ Live legally in Italy
✔ Study
✔ Work (in most cases)
✔ Access healthcare
✔ Apply for long-term residence after 5 years
✔ Travel within the Schengen zone (after receiving permesso)
Family members enjoy nearly all rights of legal residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work in Italy with the family reunion visa?
Yes—after obtaining your Permesso di Soggiorno.
Q: Do documents need translation?
Most family documents require certified Italian translation.
Q: Can siblings apply?
Only in exceptional dependency cases.
Q: Can I travel before receiving Nulla Osta?
No. Nulla Osta must be approved first.
Q: Can I apply without sponsor’s income proof?
No. This is a mandatory requirement.
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